Things to do in Atlanta

A few weeks ago, we went back to Atlanta for a friend's wedding in North Georgia. While we were there, we made a special stop at some sunflower fields (see here) and hung out with a few of our favorite people.

We stayed at the Loews Atlanta Hotel right near Piedmont Park and Cafe Intermezzo. I was proud of myself because I brought workout clothes and actually took advantage of the amazing gym in the hotel. The concierge was also really nice about helping me return my Rent the Runway dress via UPS drop box.

On our last day, the weather quickly dropped into the 30's. I was lucky that I had brought enough tops to layer up and a classic trench coat which actually kept me pretty warm. After checking out of the hotel, we walked next door to enjoy gourmet hot chocolates and one last meal with our friends at Cafe Intermezzo.

I remember the cafe being a popular date spot in college for specialized hot drinks and an amazing selection of desserts. The interior is cozy and intimate, and a tribute to the European coffeehouse in hopes that Americans would slow down and enjoy.

I tried the Deluxe White Hot Chocolate, and learned that you have to wait for the white chocolate chips to melt and stir them into the drink to make it extra sweet. Afterwards, we said goodbye to our friends and walked over to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fall colors.

Finally, we checked out the popular Ponce City Market. Make sure to go with an empty stomach... and someone who likes to shop (*ahem*). Keep scrolling for my full list of things to do in my old stomping grounds.

People have asked, so here is quick list of things to do for someone who has never been to Atlanta. This is all on TripAdvisor, but I've added some (hopefully) helpful annotations.

Things to do in Atlanta:

The Belt Line: a walking and biking path through Atlanta. A good starting point is from Piedmont Park and head south. There is limited street parking or you can pay to park at Park Tavern.

Ponce City Market: a luxury shopping and dining center in a historic building. You can drive and pay to park or access via the Belt Line. There is a rooftop restaurant with views of the city, as well as, a rooftop overlook, but the overlook area is sometimes booked for private events.

Piedmont Park: beautiful park which usually has events going on including Music Midtown in September, great for a run or walking the dog to the dog park, and you can grab a drink at Park Tavern.

Virginia Highlands: This is a cute neighborhood with great restaurants and shops. Check out the new Empire South boutique that my friend owns!

Eat & Drink:

This is pretty much the main activity here. I'm not a local anymore and was honestly never the person to ask for restaurant recommendations but here are a few I can vouch for.

Waffle House, preferably on Tech square (if you don't go here after a night of drinking, did you even go out? Please eat a grilled cheese, a chocolate chip waffle, and hashbrowns smothered and covered for me!)

Little Trouble (speaking of going out, this place is all the rage, pics or it didn't happen)

Fox Theatre: beautiful theatre for catching a show; we had formals here in college.

High Museum: Atlanta actually has a pretty great network of artists, home to an incredible art school, SCAD. You can usually always find great exhibits at the High Museum if you're into museums. I saw the Terracotta Soldier exhibit here a few years back.

Day/Weekend Trips:

Historic Savannah: this beautiful historic city has plenty of fun things to see and do. It's close to some great beaches and waterfronts, as well.

Dahlonega/Helen: an old mining town, known for tubing the Chattahoochee river in the summer and hosting Oktoberfest in the fall. Check out nearby Amicalola Falls as well.